Convex horseshoe bat


The convex horseshoe bat is a species of bat in the family Rhinolophidae. It is found in Malaysia and Laos.

Discovery and etymology

This species was first encountered by Hungarian zoologists Gábor Csorba and Ferenc Zilahy in March 1995 in the Cameron Highlands District of Malaysia. It was described by Csorba in 1997. It was given the species name convexus in reference to the "convex outline of the posterior noseleaf." The holotype is an adult female.

Taxonomy

As the Rhinolophus genus is quite speciose, it is divided into closely related species groups. The convex horseshoe bat is placed into the pusillus species group.
Other species belonging to this species group include:

Description

The base of the noseleaf is narrow when viewed from the side. The lancet is short, wide, and rounded with convex margins. Its shape is similar to an equilateral triangle. The sella tapers and curves downward at the tip. The forearms are approximately long. Ears are small and blunted at the tip. The noseleaf, while broad, does not cover the sides of the muzzle. There are three grooves in its lower lip. On its back, the fur is a rich, russet brown color, and individual hairs are long. Hairs are a consistent color from base to tip. On its ventral side, the hairs are lighter in color, and individual hairs are somewhat shorter at long. Flight membranes are dark in color. The last vertebra of the tail extends slightly past the uropatagium.

Range and habitat

One individual was collected in a montane forest of Malaysia at. The other known individual was collected in front of a cave in Laos, but its taxonomic validity may be questionable.

Conservation

Only two individuals of this species have ever been observed. There is almost no information about their biology, ecology, population number, or range. Because of this, the IUCN lists it as data deficient.